CN102484662B - Cover comprising a flexible connecting element for an electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

Covering parts for electronic equipment and electronic equipment. The covering part has a frame (1) with a first surface (8) and a second surface (9) opposite the first surface. The cover part (25) also comprises a first component (4) arranged to transmit and/or receive signals, and a connection element (5) having a signal transmission bus connected to said first component (4). The connecting element (5) comprises a flexible part (27) arranged to diverge from the covering part (25).

Description

Covering part of an electronic device comprising a flexible connection element

technical field

The invention relates to a cover part for an electronic device, the cover part having a frame with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the cover part further comprising a first component arranged to transmit and/or receive signals, and There is a connection element connected to the signaling bus of the first component.

The invention also relates to electronic equipment.

Background technique

Covering structures for electronic devices (particularly portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, communicators, palmtop computers, portable computers, game consoles or controllers, playback devices for audio and/or visual material, etc.) typically Comprising one or more cover members fixedly or releasably connected together and/or to the device frame. The enclosed space formed by the covering structure accommodates the electrical components required for the functioning of the electronic device and protects the components from, for example, dust, dirt and mechanical stress. Covering parts are typically thin walled products usually manufactured from plastic, metal, plastic composite materials. Necessary openings and through-holes for displays, keyboards, switches, electrical connectors, etc. are formed in the cover member.

Electronic devices are known which have one or more electronic components secured to a cover structure. For example, an electronic component may be an antenna.

Such electronic components arranged in a cover structure are known to be connected to electrical components arranged in a closed space inside the cover structure by using metal pins or plugs such as "pogo" pins typically arranged in the cover part.

Several problems are associated with this type of solution. First, it is difficult to handle small pins or plugs at the manufacturing stage of the covering part. The covering part is manufactured by injection moulding, and the pins or pins need to be arranged and fixed to the mold so that they stay in place when injected. This requires expensive special arrangements to obtain the desired dimensional accuracy.

However, having pins and plugs that large to create multiple electrical buses that are isolated from each other requires a lot of space. Since there is no space available, it is not possible to arrange electronic components in the cover structure, which for operation need to be connected to the circuit board by several electrical busses.

Another problem is that it is difficult to arrange the clearly visible pins and plugs invisibly to the cover part if the connected electronic components are arranged on the side of the outer surface of the cover part. So the pins and plugs really do not improve the appearance of the covered part.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved electronic device cover and electronic device.

The cover part and the electronic device of the invention are characterized by what is stated in the characterizing parts of the independent claims. Other embodiments of the invention are characterized by what is set forth in the other claims.

Inventive embodiments are also disclosed in the description and drawings of this patent application. The inventive content of this patent application can also be defined in other ways than that defined in the appended claims. The inventive content may also consist of several separate inventions, especially if the invention is examined in terms of explicit or implicit sub-tasks or in terms of benefits or sets of benefits obtained. In such cases, some definitions contained in the following claims may not be necessary in view of separate inventive concepts. The features of the different embodiments of the invention can be applied to other embodiments within the scope of the basic inventive idea. In the following, features of some embodiments of the invention are listed in random order:

- the first component is a component that transmits and/or receives electrical signals, and the signaling bus is a bus that transmits electrical signals,

- the first component is a component that transmits and/or receives optical signals, and the signaling bus is a bus that transmits optical signals,

- the first component is arranged on the first surface side, and the signaling bus is arranged to extend from the first surface side to the second surface side, whereby the flexible part is arranged to diverge to the second surface side,

- the signaling bus is arranged to extend past the edge of the frame so that it extends from the first surface side of the covered frame to its second surface side,

- the edge of the frame is the opening through the frame,

- the opening is the camera opening,

- the opening is an opening formed for the display of the device or its protective window,

- the opening is the opening formed for the operating buttons of the device,

- the edge of the frame is the edge forming the outer edge of the covering part,

- the covering part comprises a film arranged on the first surface side of the frame, and the part of the conductive bus is arranged between the frame and the outer surface of said film,

- the film is an insert film,

- the film is a labeling film,

- the film is a transfer film,

- the film is a multilayer film,

- the first component is arranged on the second surface side and the flexible part is arranged to branch to the second surface side,

- the first assembly is arranged between the first and second surfaces of the cover part, and the signaling bus is arranged to extend to the second surface side, whereby the flexible part is arranged to branch to the second surface side,

- the signaling bus is a separate component comprising conductors and an insulating substrate separating them from each other,

- the signaling bus is a film-like element comprising conductors arranged side by side in an insulating substrate,

- The signaling bus is a flexible circuit board,

- the signaling bus is a film-like photoconductor,

- the signaling bus is integrated into the second structural part of the covering part,

-Signaling bus is integrated into the film,

- signaling bus is integrated into the overlay frame,

- the first component contains a component,

- the first component is a combination of several components,

- the first component contains the antenna,

- the first assembly contains the circuit board,

- the first surface is on the outer surface side of the covering part,

- the first surface is on the inner surface side of the covering part.

The idea of the invention is that a signal transmitting and/or receiving component arranged in the cover part is connected to a second component not belonging to the cover part via a bus that transmits said signal and contains a flexible part branching off from the cover part. The invention provides the advantage that the assembly is easily connected to the second assembly due to the flexible bus part branching off from the cover part.

The idea of a preferred embodiment of the invention is that the signaling bus is arranged between the outer surface of the frame of the cover part and the film fixed to the cover part. The advantage is that the busses are easily fixed to the covering part, the number of buses can be large, and the buses do not need to change the appearance of the covering part.

The idea of a preferred embodiment of the invention is that the signaling bus is arranged to extend past the edge of the frame such that it extends from the first surface side of the covered frame to its second surface side.

The advantage is that components arranged on different sides of the cover part can be connected to each other.

Description of drawings

Some embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1a is a schematic exploded side view of a covering part of the invention in partial section;

Figure 1b is a schematic top view of the conductive bus in Figure 1a;

Figure 1c is a schematic side view of an assembled electronic device of the invention in partial section and comprising a cover part made up of the parts in Figure 1a;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second covering member of the present invention;

Figures 3a and 3b are schematic side and top views of a third covering part of the invention in partial section;

Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a fourth covering member of the present invention in partial section;

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of a fifth covering member of the present invention in partial section;

Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of a sixth covering member of the present invention in partial section;

Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of a seventh covering member of the present invention in partial section;

8a to 8c are schematic partial cross-sectional side views of the method for manufacturing the covering member of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of an eighth covering member of the present invention in partial section;

Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a ninth covering member of the present invention in partial section.

In the drawings, some embodiments of the invention are shown simplified for the sake of clarity. Like parts are marked with like reference numerals in the figures.

best practice

Figure 1 is a schematic exploded side view of a cover part of the invention in partial section, Figure 1b is a schematic top view of a conductive bus line arranged in the cover part, and Figure 1c is in partial section, comprised of the components shown in Figure 1a A schematic side view of an assembled electronic device of the present invention composed of covering components.

The covering part consists of an injection molded frame 1 . The production materials are polymer materials known per se, which may contain not only thermoplastic matrix materials, but also reinforcing materials, fillers and the like. The frame can be visible light transparent, partially transparent, or opaque.

The film 2 constituting the outer surface of the covering part is fixed to the outer surface of the frame 1 during the injection molding stage. In this case, the film 2 is an embedded film, which here means a film that has been at least substantially built into the shape of the mold and the final product before it is arranged in the injection mold. This construction is typically achieved by thermoforming. This type of technique is known as "in-mould labelling" or "insert mold decoration". The materials and methods of manufacture of the film 2 are known per se and will therefore not be described in more detail in this description.

The film 2 can also be multilayered, and even then it is an active component, containing electronic components laminated to one surface or between layers. The film may thus be used as a surface film or be painted, coated, or surface treated in some other way.

Alternatively, the film 2 may be a label film, ie part of an "in-mold label" film. This is a flat label or similar that covers only a small portion of the outer surface of the covering part.

The film 2 may also be a transfer film, i.e. an "in-mould decoration" film which, when arranged in the mould, is substantially planar and is placed between the mold halves by using A transfer film or carrier film fed in a continuous strip is arranged in an injection mold.

The film can be monochromatic or multi-colored, and it can have decorations, such as those that change in appearance as lighting conditions change, such as "hidden till lit" decorations. Film 2 may be transparent to visible light, partially transparent or non-transparent. Either or both of its surfaces may be printed, pressed, painted or treated in some other manner known per se. The film can be a single-layer film or a multi-layer film, each layer having its own handling and decoration tasks.

The film 2 is fixed to the frame 1 in an injection molding process which will be described in more detail in connection with Figures 8a to 8c. However, we wish to state in this context that the frame 1 is formed into its shape shown in FIGS. 1a and 1c at the same time as it is secured to the rear surface 7 of the membrane 2 .

We also wish to state that the film 2 can be further coated by arranging a second film on the outer surface 6 of the film 2 or by painting, printing or some other corresponding means. Furthermore, we wish to illustrate that additional components can be arranged into overlay components to change their appearance, feel, function or some other properties. In addition, we wish to state that the part dimensions of the covering part - mainly the ratio of the thicknesses of the frame 1 and the membrane 2 - are shown in the figures differently than they actually are, in order to better characterize the invention to be understood.

The first surface 8 of the frame is on the side of the membrane 2 and the surface 9 constitutes the inner surface of the covering part. Components may be added to the second surface 9, such as films, conductors, electronic or optical components, etc.

The first component 4 is arranged on the side of the first surface 8 , or in this case the outer surface of the frame 1 , and thus it is outside the closed space formed by the covering part. Here, the first component 4 is a component that sends or receives or both sends and receives electrical signals.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 a to 1 c , the first component 4 is arranged in an opening in the membrane 2 . The first component 4 can also be arranged on the outer surface 6 of the membrane, or between the membrane 2 and the frame 1 , or inside the membrane 2 .

In order to work, the first assembly 4 requires several bus lines suitable for sending electrical signals, which connect it to the second assembly arranged inside the covering structure.

The required bus is implemented using flexible membrane-like connection elements 5 . This may for example be an electrical conductor known as a flex. This is a flex circuit board, which is flexible along essentially its entire length, or a rigid flex circuit board, which has both rigid and flexible components. It has conductive bus lines 11 arranged side by side in an insulating base 12 made of non-conductive plastic. At one or both ends of the flex, there may be adapters to connect the bus 11 to counter-pieces arranged in connectable assemblies. The connection can naturally also be realized by soldering, gluing with conductive glue, or in other ways known per se.

The conductive bus 11 is now at the first end 13 of the connecting element 5, which is fixed directly to the first component 4, or indirectly, ie connected to a connection head formed in the frame 1 or film 2 and connected to the first Component 4.

The connecting element 5 is arranged hidden between the frame 1 and the membrane 2 and fixed in place to the cover part during the injection molding stage of the frame 1 . This will be described in more detail in connection with Figures 8a to 8c.

The second end 14 of the connecting element 5 is arranged at the opening 3 formed in the cover part so that it extends past the membrane 2 formed in the opening 3 and the edge 15 of the frame 1 . Since the connecting element 5 is flexible throughout, the part extending past the edge 15 forms a flexible bendable part 27 . This can be freely bent to the second surface 9 side of the frame; here, to the inside of the covering part.

Said opening 3 is a camera opening, which here means that it is constructed mainly for the protective window or lens of the camera of a mobile phone, and extends through both the frame 1 and the membrane 2 . Opening 3 could naturally be some other opening required for the camera; it could be an opening built for a display or its protective window, an opening built for an action button, an opening built for a microphone, a headset, a charging adapter, or for some other adapter Open your mouth and wait.

The opening 3 can also be specially constructed for the conductive bus 11 . It is to be noted that the membrane 2 does not have to have the opening 3; in other words, in order to realize the embodiment shown in Figs. 1a to 1c, it is sufficient that the frame 1 has the opening through it. The portion of the film extending through the opening 3 may be transparent or opaque depending on the purpose of the opening.

The first component 4 can also be a component that transmits or receives or both optical signals, and correspondingly the connection element 5 can be a bus that transmits optical signals, eg a film-like or sheet-like photoconductor or an optical fiber. Furthermore, the first component 4 can be a component that transmits or receives or both electrical and optical signals, such as LEDs, lasers, photodiodes, detectors, photocells, light sensors, motion detectors, display elements or light-reactive some other surface or component.

It should be noted here that the first component may be a sensor, an antenna, a switch, a device belonging to the user interface of the device, such as a key, a display, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a touch-sensitive element, and the like. This component can be a separate component, or a component integrated into the membrane 2 or the frame 1, for example a printed or pressed component.

Figure 1c shows the assembled electronic device in which the flexible part 27 of the connection element 5 is bent and pushed through the opening 3 into the interior of the cover part where its second end 14 is connected to the second component. A second cover part enclosing the device is shown in dashed lines.

Here, the second component is the motherboard 10 of the device. Since the free second end 14 of the connection element 5 diverges substantially from the edge 15, it can be quickly and reliably connected to the second component when the device is assembled. The end of the connection element 5 left free may naturally be connected to some other component inside the cover, such as an auxiliary circuit board, a user interface board arranged for a keyboard, a battery or other power supply, a control module, etc. The connecting element 5 can also be connected to a component belonging to another covering part or to a component inside the covering part 1 itself.

Thanks to the above-described arrangement of openings 3 and signaling busses, even components requiring complex connections can be arranged outside the frame 1 . At the same time, it avoids dealing with small pins and plugs when manufacturing the covering part. There is no need to build additional holes in the cover part 25, which might have a detrimental effect on the appearance of the device. The connecting element 5 is so thin that it does not visually change the appearance of the covering part 25 . Naturally, it can be visible if desired. If desired, two or more connecting elements 5 can be arranged on top of each other in such a way that they do not form a shape that adversely affects the aesthetic impression of the cover part 25 .

It is also possible to manufacture the covering part 25 by first shaping both the frame 1 and the membrane 2 substantially into their final form and thereafter fixing them to each other. The frame 1 can then be produced by injection moulding, without the film 2 as an insert into the mould.

We wish to state that the frame 1 can be manufactured not only from plastic or a plastic composite, but also from other materials such as metal, or it can be a part manufactured from materials belonging to several different material groups (e.g. plastic and metal parts) The combination. One benefit of metal is that it allows the manufacture of a thinner frame 1 and thus a thinner cover part 25 .

Other methods known per se, such as pressing methods and machining, are also possible manufacturing methods for the frame 1 .

For example, adhesives, heat, welding and mechanical fixing means can be used to fix the frame 1 to the membrane 2 . This fixation can be permanent, in other words the frame 1 cannot be detached from the membrane 2 without destroying them. The fixation can also be detachable, in other words the frame 1 can be detached from the membrane 2 without destroying them.

The configuration of the covering part 25 can then comprise the steps described in Figure 1a, and the connecting element 5 can be a separate element or integrated into the film 2, so that the film 2 constitutes at least part of an insulating substrate insulating the bus lines from each other.

The busses transmitting optical signals and/or the conductive busses may be laminated to the film 2 before being fixed to the frame 1 . The membrane 2 is preferably an embedded membrane, to which the bus lines are preferably fixed even before the membrane is constructed in its three-dimensional form. The busses can be fixed directly to the film, or they can be fixed first to an auxiliary film laminated to the film 2 .

The flexible part 27 connecting the elements can be made to diverge from the farthest edge of the film 2, or it can be part of the bus or an auxiliary film containing the bus, which is separated from the film 2, or it can be made of a film or a photoconductor The laminated structure is separated from the film before being fixed to the frame 1. If the membrane 2 comprises several layers, the flexible part 27 of the connecting element may consist of one or more layers of this type or parts thereof. Electronic components may be arranged in and/or between the layers of the multilayer film 2 .

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a second covering member of the present invention. The covering part 1 comprises a film 2 constituting at least the main part of its outer surface, and on the rear surface 7 of the film the frame 3 is injection molded.

The first assembly 4 is arranged on the outer surface side of the cover member 1 . To work, this requires electrical conductors located in the connecting element 5 . This is arranged into the cover part so that one end thereof extends past the membrane 2 and the edge 15 of the frame - edge 15 is now the edge which constitutes the outer edge of the cover part and which is secured to a second cover part or the frame of the device during assembly. This type of embodiment offers the added benefit that it does not require openings 3 .

Figures 3a and 3b are schematic side views of a third covering part of the invention in partial section. The figure only shows the membrane 2 as an embedded membrane. During manufacture, the electrical conductors 11 as well as the connecting conductors 11 and the contact surfaces 16 required for the first assembly arranged on the outer surface of the cover part are integrated into the film 2 . Protrusions or protrusions 17 are also formed on the membrane 2, onto which protrusions or protrusions the conductors 11 are arranged. The protrusions 17 are made of the same material as the rest of the membrane 2 . The film 2 constitutes an insulating base separating the conductors from each other and constitutes a casing protecting the conductor 11 on all sides. It should be noted that the protrusion 17 is not an absolutely necessary feature of this embodiment.

The projections 17 are shown to be thinner than the rest of the membrane 2, although this is not absolutely necessary. The crucial thing is that the protrusion 17 with its conductor 11 is flexible so that it and its conductor can be bent inside the covering structure. Instead of or in addition to electrically conductive conductors, optically conductive buses can of course be used.

This embodiment also offers the additional advantage of avoiding the handling of separate connecting elements 5 during the equipping of the covering part, for example during the injection molding phase of the frame 1 .

Mimicking the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the electrically conductive conductors 11 integrated into the film 2 can naturally also be arranged past the sides constituting the outer edge of the covering part.

Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a fourth covering member of the present invention in partial section. It shows a frame 1 made of plastic and a film 2 , for example an embedded film, which is arranged on its first surface 8 and consists of a transparent or at least partially transparent material. A film-like photoconductor 28 is arranged on the rear surface of the film 2 .

The film 2 comprises a mask 29 which is at least substantially opaque to light and which is constructed by pressing or printing, for example. The mask 29 defines an active area 30 in the film through which the light from the photoconductor passes to the film 2 and on out of the cover member.

The cover part 25 also has a light source, in this case an LED 31, and a coupler 34 to which the connection part 5 is connected. The LED 31 and the coupler 34 are secured to a circuit board 32 that includes conductors and conductive busses interconnecting them. The LEDs are enclosed in a protective tape that prevents the light from the LEDs from traveling anywhere other than the photoconductor 28 . The circuit board 32 can be a flexible flex circuit board or a partially flexible rigid-flex circuit board, whereby the circuit board 32 can be bent away from the cover part 25 so that it forms the connecting element 5 and its flexible part 27 .

We would like to separately state that no visible holes or openings are required to pass the connecting element 5 through the cover part. This type of solution can be applied to all connection elements 5 described in this description.

The components and components 28 to 34 listed above constitute the first component 4 . The first component is connected to the connecting element 5, one end of which contains a flexible part 27 which can be connected to the second component. The frame 1 forms part of an insulating base separating the bus lines in the connection part 5 from each other. Note also that the second component is not shown in the figure.

In the assembled device, the second component may be located inside the cover part 25 or outside the cover part 25 . In the latter solution, the first component 4 is typically arranged on the inner surface side of the frame 1 , but in one embodiment of the invention it is arranged on the outer surface side of the frame 1 . In a preferred embodiment, the first component 4 is arranged in a game console and the second component in a game controller, or vice versa. The connection member is branched from the cover member 25 to its outer surface side, and serves as a bus or a part thereof that connects the game console and the controller.

The frame 1 is manufactured, for example, by injection molding on the rear surface of the membrane 2, whereby the first component 4 is well protected from the stresses caused by the environment.

The LED 31 may be arranged on the second surface 9 side of the frame 1, whereby the photoconductor 28 extends through the frame 1 to the first surface 8 side.

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of a fifth covering member of the present invention in partial section. It should be noted that frame 1 is not shown in Fig. 5 to simplify the presentation of things. This is an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 .

The first assembly includes two LEDs 31 as light sources. We wish to illustrate that in this context the number of light sources can also be greater than two.

The first assembly 4, comprising the LED 31, the conductive bus and the coupler, is built directly into the film 2, on which the required circuitry is printed or pressed, or in some form known per se, e.g. from circuit board technology or the electronics industry. other ways to manufacture.

An advantage of this embodiment is that a separate circuit board 32 becomes unnecessary, whereby a simpler and thinner structure can be obtained.

The connecting element 5 is connected to the first component 4 in such a way that it is at right angles to the surface of the membrane 2; however, this arrangement is not absolutely necessary and the position of the connecting element relative to the membrane 2 and its opposite side to the frame The path of is chosen appropriately in each case.

Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of a sixth covering member of the present invention in partial section. In general, this is similar to the cover part 25 shown in Figure 5, but now the LEDs 31, photoconductors 28, conductive busses, couplers 34, etc., i.e. the first component 4, are constructed or fixed to a separate auxiliary film 35 on.

It should be noted that the auxiliary membrane 35 is shown separated from the membrane 2 to simplify the presentation of things.

The auxiliary film 35 can be laminated to the film 2 , after which the cover part 25 is constructed in such a way that the auxiliary film 35 remains between the frame and the film 2 . The auxiliary film 35 and its assembly thus form a mounting module which can be mounted as a solid body in the cover part 25 or its semi-finished product.

The description provided together with FIG. 5 also applies to the position of the connecting element 5 .

Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of a seventh covering member of the present invention in partial section. Here, the first element 4 is arranged entirely on the second surface 9, which constitutes the inner surface of the frame 1 and at the same time constitutes the entire covering part.

In another embodiment of the invention, the film 2, for example an embedded film, is arranged on the inner surface of the covering part 25, and together with it the first element 4; Example shown in 5. The auxiliary film 35 according to FIG. 6 with its first element 4 can also be fastened to the inner surface of the cover part 25 .

The frame 1 and the film 2 are made of an at least partially transparent material, whereby the light emitted by the LED 31 and guided to the photoconductor 28 passes through them. The film 2 can also be omitted.

In general, it can be stated that the frame 1 can be treated by painting, printing, pressing, coating, using a second plastic layer, or in some other corresponding manner known per se.

The first element 4 comprises a reflective element 36 arranged between the photoconductor 28 and the circuit board 32, which reflects light directed towards it towards the outer surface of the cover part.

The circuit board 32 can be a flex wire, for example, from a part of it that remains unfixed to the frame 1 in such a way that this unfixed part constitutes the connecting element 5 and the most important thing, its flexible part, the first element 4 is connected to the second element through this flexible part. It needs to be repeated here that the connection element 5 comprises at least one signal transmission bus.

8a to 8c are schematic partial cross-sectional side views of the method for manufacturing the covering member of the present invention. For example, the method can be used to manufacture a cover part according to FIG. 1c.

FIG. 8 a shows how the connection element 5 is first fixed to the rear surface 7 of the membrane 2 . The fixation can be performed, for example, by welding, by using a mechanical connection such as adhesive tape "Velcro", by gluing such as lamination or taping.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 , the connecting element 5 is integrated into the membrane 2 . When using this type of solution, the connecting element 5 naturally does not need to be fixed to the membrane 2 alone.

FIG. 8 a also shows the following steps, wherein the mounting module 21 consisting of the film 2 and the connecting element 5 is brought to the open mold or, more precisely, to the receiving part 20 inserted into the first half-mould 18 . The mold also includes a second mold half 19 .

Said receiving means 20 may comprise active auxiliary arrangements to ensure that the mounting module 21 remains in place, such as a vacuum suction or some other corresponding arrangement known per se. However, an active assisting arrangement is not absolutely necessary, since in most cases the mere interference fit between the mold and the mounting module 21 is sufficient to ensure that the mounting module remains in place in the mould.

When the module 21 is installed in place in the first mold half 18, the mold can be closed by engaging the mold halves 18,19. The closed mold cavity 22 shown in Figure 4b is thus built into the mould. The mold cavity 22 is shaped in a manner required by the shape of the covering part to be produced.

The first component 4 to be fixed to the cover part 25 can also be arranged into the mold and connected to the membrane 2 before the mold is closed. Most preferably, this is done before the film 2 is added to the mould.

The second mold half 19 shown in Figures 8a to 8c comprises an insert 23 which presses the first mold half 18 and prevents the plastic material injected into the mold from entering the opening 3 in the membrane 2 and at the connecting element 5 extending to the opening 3 Diffusion near the second end 14 of the The partially enlarged view of Fig. 8b shows how the insert 23 forces the connecting element 5 out of its path by bending it into a fold. The connecting element 5 is not damaged by this thanks to its flexible structure. The insert 23 may comprise a shape—a depression or groove—into which the connecting element 5 is seated at the latest when the mold is closed.

In FIG. 8b plastic material 26 is injected into the mold through a feed channel 24 . The molten plastic material 26 has entered the mold and fills the empty space in the mold cavity 22 and is in contact with the rear surface 7 of the film 2 . The plastic material 26 and the film material 2 are selected to match so that the plastic material adheres to the film 2 by chemical bonds. The adhesion can also be based solely on physical fixation, such as form locking, or a combination of chemical and physical fixation. If desired, a layer of auxiliary material can be added to the inner surface of the film 2 in order to improve adhesion by brushing, spraying or arranging a thin film of auxiliary material thereon.

The plastic material 26 injected into the mold cavity 22 cools down in the mold cavity 22 in a manner known per se by means of cooling means of the mold, solidifies in a non-flowable form and constitutes the frame 1 of the covering part. After the plastic material 26 has cooled sufficiently, the mold is opened and the covering part 25 is removed from the mould. This step is illustrated in Figure 8c. The cover part 25 comprises an injection-molded frame 1 , a film 2 and a connecting element 5 fastened between them.

The cover part 25 can be further processed and finished, eg by removing possible burrs, painting, arranging it with additional parts etc., after which the cover part 25 is ready to be installed in the electronic device.

In an embodiment of the invention, the mounting module 21 also comprises a first component 4 which in turn comprises one or more components as previously described. The first component 4 can be fixed to the film 2 by using the above-mentioned fixing method.

However, the mounting module 21 containing the first component 4 does not have to include the membrane 2 . The first component 4 and the connecting element 5 may be fixed to a plastic base, which thus constitutes the body or foundation holding the mounting module 21 together. For example, the mounting module 21 can be arranged into an injection mold or a compression mold in a similar manner to the mounting module 21 shown in FIG. Glued or welded or fixed to the prefabricated frame 1 in some other way known per se.

In an embodiment of the invention, the covering part 25 or at least the frame 1 thereof is manufactured by using a multi-component injection molding method. The first component 4 and the connecting element 5 are then arranged in a first mold, where they are fixed to the first plastic material part by injecting the first plastic material into the mould. The first mold is manufactured in such a way that selected parts of the first component 4 and/or connecting element 5 remain exposed by the first plastic material. Afterwards, the first mold is opened, whereby the first plastic material part and the first component 4 and the connecting element 5 fixed to this part remain in the first half-mould. At the position of the second mold half of the first mold, a third mold half is arranged close to the mold. The mold then has a free space therein into which the second plastic material is injected. The second plastic material forms a second plastic material part which encapsulates the first component 4 and/or the connecting element 5 between itself and the first plastic material part, but in such a way that the flexible part 27 of the connecting element remains For bifurcated and bendable parts from the covering part.

Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of an eighth covering member of the present invention in partial section.

The covering part 25 comprises a film 2 arranged on the inner surface side of the covering part associated with the frame 1 , preferably in an injection mould. The frame 1 is made of at least partially transparent plastic. The film 2 may also be arranged on the outer surface side of the covering member 25 .

For example, the thin film 2 is an embedded thin film, and the solar cell 37 is integrated therein. In this embodiment, the solar cells 37 are so-called thin film solar cells, which are made into the thin film 2 by printing, for example inkjet printing or stencil printing, painting or using some other covering method. middle. The operation of thin-film solar cells is known per se and is based on organic materials arranged between the electrodes of the cell. An example of the advantage of a thin film solar cell is that it can be arranged on both straight and curved surfaces. Thanks to this, the shape of the covering member does not limit the surface area of the solar cells 37 .

The solar cells 37 can naturally also be of another type, eg silicon-based solar cells.

Solar radiation passes through the frame 1 and reaches the solar cells 37, whereby this generates electrical energy. The solar cell 37 is connected via the flexible member 27 to the electrical circuit of the device according to the principles described earlier in this specification.

A protective layer 38 is arranged on the film 2 on the front side of the solar cells 37 . The protective layer 38 refers to a layer which at least partially renders the solar cell 37 invisible. The protective layer 38 is now a light diffusing layer. It allows most of the light to reach the solar cell 37, but it at least substantially hides the solar cell so that it cannot be easily seen when inspecting the device. The light diffusing layer can have patterns or other decorative features.

The light diffusing layer can also be arranged on the frame 1, whereby it can be as thick as the frame 1 on the front side of the solar cells 37, or only constitute part of the thickness of the frame. Certain other embodiments of the protective layer 38 are the frame 1 colored, coated or patterned with a translucent lacquer, varnish or the like.

In another embodiment of the invention, protective layer 38 includes one or more layers that alter its color or some other property of its appearance. A protective layer 38 of this type can be realized, for example, as an electrochromic layer known per se. When a charge is applied to the electrochromic layer, it reversibly changes its color. The necessary charging can be activated by the user of the device or automatically without user intervention. The action of the layer changing its color or other properties of its appearance could also be based on temperature changes and the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protective layer 38 is arranged to function as a display device, preferably a touch screen, to which eg a keyboard may be applied. The conductors required for the touch screen can be implemented using transparent or very thin conductors. The access to the electrical circuits of the device required for the operation of the protective layer 38 can be achieved through the flexible member 27, for example.

Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a ninth covering member of the present invention in partial section. This embodiment differs from that shown in FIG. 9 mainly in that the film 2 is arranged between two plastic layers 1a, 1b. These plastic layers 1 a , 1 b form the frame 1 of the cover part 25 . Structures of this type can be built, for example, by using two-stage injection molding or multi-component injection molding. In the structure shown in FIG. 10, the film 2 to which the operating layer is attached is well protected from external loads and the like.

Another difference between the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is that the latter does not have a protective layer 38 . The protective layer 38 can naturally be added to the cover part 25 in FIG. 10 and it can be omitted from the cover part in FIG. 9 .

In some instances, features described in this application may be used as described regardless of other features. On the other hand, the features described in this application can also be combined to provide different combinations as necessary.

In conclusion, it can be stated that the cover part of an electronic device according to the invention is characterized in that the signal transmission bus comprises a flexible part arranged to branch off from the cover part. Furthermore, it can be stated that the electronic equipment of the present invention is characterized in that it has a cover member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 37.

The drawings and the related description are only intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, in which the invention has been described by way of example, and that the invention is susceptible to many modifications and variations within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the following claims. different examples.

Claims (31)

1. A cover part (25) of an electronic device, the cover part has a frame (1) having a first surface (8) and a second surface (9) opposite to the first surface, The covering part (25) also includes a first component (4), arranged to transmit and/or receive signals, and a connecting element (5) having a signaling bus connected to said first component (4), Said connecting element (5) comprises a flexible part (27) arranged to diverge from the covering part (25), It is characterized by a signaling bus is arranged to extend past the edge (15) of said frame, The edge (15) of the frame is the edge forming the outer edge of the covering part (25), and A signaling bus is integrated into the frame (1) of the cover part. 2. Covering part according to claim 1, characterized in that said first component (4) is a component which transmits and/or receives electrical signals, and said signal transmitting bus is a bus which transmits electrical signals. 3. Cover part according to claim 1, characterized in that said first component (4) is a component for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals, and said signal transmitting bus is a bus for transmitting optical signals. 4. The cover part according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component (4) is arranged on the first surface (8) side, and the signal sending bus is arranged to be connected from the first surface (8) The side extends to the second surface (9) side, whereby said flexible member (27) is arranged to diverge from the second surface (9) side. 5. Cover part as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a film (2) arranged on the first surface (8) side of the frame, and a part of the signal sending bus is arranged between the frame (1) and between the outer surfaces (6) of the film. 6. Covering part according to claim 5, characterized in that the film (2) is an embedded film. 7. Covering part according to claim 5, characterized in that the film (2) is a label film. 8. Covering part according to claim 5, characterized in that the film (2) is a transfer film. 9. Covering part according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said film (2) is a multilayer film. 10. Covering part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first component (4) is arranged on the side of the second surface (9) and said flexible part (27) Arranged to branch off to the second surface (9) side. 11. Covering part according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first component (4) is arranged on the first (8) and second (9) of said frame (1) between the surfaces, and the signal transmission bus is arranged to extend to the second surface (9) side, so that the flexible member (2) is arranged to branch to the second surface (9) side. 12. Covering part according to claim 1, characterized in that said signaling bus is a single component comprising conductors (11) and an insulating substrate (12) separating them from each other. 13. Cover part according to claim 12, characterized in that the signal transmission bus is a film-like element comprising conductors (11) arranged side by side in an insulating substrate (12). 14. Cover part according to claim 12, characterized in that the signal transmission bus is a film-like photoconductor (28). 15. The cover part of claim 13, wherein the signal transmission bus is a flexible circuit board. 16. Cover part according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling bus is integrated into another structural part of the cover part. 17. Covering part according to claim 16, characterized in that the signaling bus is integrated into the membrane (2). 18. Covering part according to claim 1, characterized in that said first component (4) comprises one component. 19. Covering part according to claim 1, characterized in that said first component (4) is a combination of several components. 20. Covering part according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component (4) comprises an antenna. 21. Covering part according to claim 1, characterized in that said first component (4) comprises a circuit board. 22. Covering part according to claim 1, characterized in that said first surface (8) is located on the outer surface of the covering part (25). 23. The covering part according to claim 1, characterized in that said first surface (8) is located on the inner surface of the covering part (25). 24. A cover part as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the solar cells (37) are arranged in the membrane (2). 25. Covering part according to claim 24, characterized in that the solar cells (37) are thin-film solar cells. 26. Covering part according to claim 24, characterized in that a light-diffusing protective layer is arranged on the front side of the solar cells (37). 27. The covering part as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that a layer changing its color or other properties of its appearance is arranged on the front side of the solar cell (37). 28. Covering part according to claim 24, characterized in that a display is arranged on the front side of the solar cell (37). 29. The cover member of claim 28, wherein the display is a touch screen. 30. Covering part according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component (4) is molded into the frame (1). 31. An electronic device, characterized in that it has a cover part (25) as claimed in claim 1.